Stocks to watch Today: HDFC Bank, Manappuram Finance, Vedanta among 10 shares in focus today after US Fed policy

Stocks to watch Today: Indian markets may open lower on Thursday amid weak global cues, despite strong gains in the previous session.

By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: March 19, 2026 08:42:30 IST

Stocks to Watch Today, March 19, 2026: The Indian stock exchange is expected to start the day on a weak note on Thursday. The benchmark indices, i.e., BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, may dip significantly. Market signals suggest a cautious start to the day. The GIFT Nifty is trading at the 23,240 level, which suggests a gap-down opening and a discount of almost 536 points over the previous close of the Nifty futures. However, the Indian stock exchange closed the day on a strong note on Wednesday. This is the third consecutive day of gains for the Indian stock exchange. The Sensex index jumped 633.29 points, or 0.83%, to end the day at 76,704.13. On the other hand, the Nifty 50 index closed above the 23,700 level, gaining 196.65 points, or 0.83%, to end the day at 23,777.80.

Investor mood remains cautious due to global developments. Ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, along with the latest US Federal Reserve policy announcement, are influencing market direction. Additionally, rising crude oil prices are adding pressure on equities.

Stocks to Watch Today, March 19, 2026

Several companies are expected to remain in focus due to recent developments:

HDFC Bank

The bank announced that its part-time Chairman and Independent Director, Atanu Chakraborty, has resigned with immediate effect, citing reasons mentioned in his resignation letter.

Manappuram Finance

The company said its subsidiaries, Asirvad Micro Finance and Manappuram Home Finance, have received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for an indirect change in control and management by Bain Capital.

Alkem Laboratories

The pharma firm has been allotted around 30 acres of land in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It plans to set up a new greenfield manufacturing facility for formulations in the industrial area.

United Breweries

The company has received environmental clearance for a new greenfield brewery project in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The plant will have a production capacity of 1.30 million hectolitres per year and marks its expansion into North India.

Belrise Industries

Its subsidiary, Belrise UK Holdings, has signed a deal to acquire 100% stake in Chester Hall Precision Engineering Holdings Limited, a UK-based firm serving aerospace and defence sectors.

GR Infraprojects

The company has emerged as the lowest bidder for a ₹2,440.87 crore highway project in Bihar. The project involves building a four-lane section of NH-33 between Mokama and Munger under a PPP model.

Vedanta Limited

Vedanta’s board will meet on March 23 to consider and approve the third interim dividend for the financial year 2025–26.

Nazara Technologies

Nazara announced that its UK subsidiary will acquire a 50% stake in Bluetile Games SL and BestPlay Systems SL for $100.3 million (₹918 crore).

UltraTech Cement

The company has entered into agreements to source renewable energy from a 60 MW solar project in Uttar Pradesh, which includes battery storage integration.

Ahluwalia Contracts

It has secured a ₹393 crore contract from the Airports Authority of India to build a greenfield airport in Bundi, Kota, Rajasthan, to be completed within 18 months.

Zydus Lifesciences and Torrent Pharmaceuticals

Both companies have partnered to market the diabetes drug Semaglutide Injection in India under a licensing and supply agreement.

In short, while the Indian stock market showed strength in the previous session, global uncertainties and rising oil prices are likely to weigh on investor sentiment today. Market participants will closely track global cues and company-specific developments to navigate the day’s trading session.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Readers are advised to consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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